Changes

The general theory of relativity is a ''metric theory,'' sometimes also called a ''geometric theory.'' Metric theories describe physical phenomena in terms of [[differential geometry]]. This stands in contrast to Isaac Newton's [[Law of Universal Gravitation]], which described gravity in terms of a [[vector field]].  In the case of general relativity, the theory relates ''stress-energy'' — an extension of the concept of [[mass]] — and the [[curvature]] of [[spacetime]]. In the words of physicist John Wheeler, "Space tells matter how to move, matter tells space how to curve."<ref>Misner, Thorne & Wheeler. ''Gravitation.'' (1973)</ref>

The general theory of relativity is a ''metric theory,'' sometimes also called a ''geometric theory.'' Metric theories describe physical phenomena in terms of [[differential geometry]]. This stands in contrast to Isaac Newton's [[Law of Universal Gravitation]], which described gravity in terms of a [[vector field]].  In the case of general relativity, the theory relates ''stress-energy'' — an extension of the concept of [[mass]] — and the [[curvature]] of [[spacetime]]. In the words of physicist John Wheeler, "Space tells matter how to move, matter tells space how to curve."<ref>Misner, Thorne & Wheeler. ''Gravitation.'' (1973)</ref>

==Coordinate Systems Spacetime Diagrams, and Fictitious Forces==

==Coordinate Systems, Spacetime Diagrams, and Fictitious Forces==

See the "Study Guide" at the bottom of the page linked in the References section<ref>[http://www.thefullwiki.org/Introduction_to_general_relativity Introduction to general relativity]</ref> for an explanation of how fictitious forces (e.g. gravity) arise from "curved" coordinate systems.

See the "Study Guide" at the bottom of the page linked in the References section<ref>[http://www.thefullwiki.org/Introduction_to_general_relativity Introduction to general relativity]</ref> for an explanation of how fictitious forces (e.g. gravity) arise from "curved" coordinate systems on "spacetime".

==Qualitative Introduction to General Relativity==

==Qualitative Introduction to General Relativity==